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The Later Cold War
From RCN to Maritime Command

The creation of the single-service Canadian Forces in 1968 transformed the Royal Canadian Navy into Maritime Command. The unification of the armed services brought tremendous change, introducing standardized uniforms and other common procedures that replaced older traditions. Federal policy and human rights rulings also increased the use of French, and began to abolish most limits on women's military service.

Uniform, Captain Hans Arnsdorf
Uniform, Captain Hans Arnsdorf

Captain Hans Arnsdorf wore this uniform in the Canadian Forces Maritime Command, which replaced the Royal Canadian Navy.

Maritime Command shared this green "unification" uniform with the army and the air force, with only the jacket's lapel badges and the beret badge providing a naval identity. The four stripes on the sleeve denoting Arnsdorf's rank of captain have also lost the "executive curl", a small circular loop on the uppermost stripe.

Service Dress Uniform, Captain Hans Arnsdorf
Beret, CWM 19970089-009
Jacket, CWM 19970089-023
Shirt, CWM 19970089-025
Tie, CWM 19970089-027
Trousers, CWM 19970089-024





Sailor's Uniform, mid-1960s
Royal Canadian Navy Parka and Trousers
Designs for a Canadian Naval Jack and Ensign
HMCS Yukon
Uniform, Captain Hans Arnsdorf
Canadian Forces Women's Uniform, 1968
HMCS Cormorant Model
Uniform, Chief Petty Officer Eleanor Abra
Canadian Forces Naval Recruiting Poster
Uniform, Commander William Kern